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Hi
Im getting a new white U Shape kitchen with gloss polyurethane finish installed soon. I was thinking of using these White Gloss Subway Wall Tiles for the splashback
from Bunnings https://www.bunnings.com.au/duratile-10-x-30cm-1-02m-white-gloss-subway-wall-tile-34-carton_p0038766...
Amy opinions if it will be too much white and if i should choose another colour for the splashback
Photo of kitchen below - I'll be repainting too.
Hi @martyjames,
A white U-shape kitchen with a gloss polyurethane finish sounds like it’s going to be sleek, modern, and bright. Using white gloss subway tiles for the splashback is a classic and timeless choice — they’re versatile, easy to clean, and won’t date quickly.
That said, the question of “too much white” really depends on a few things — most importantly, what colour your benchtop is going to be. If you're going for a white or light stone benchtop, the look can still work beautifully, especially with a subtle vein or texture to break up the surfaces. A white-on-white-on-white design can feel crisp and clean — even quite luxurious — when done right, particularly in spaces that get a lot of natural light, which yours seems to.
Texture and finish are key. Gloss cabinetry, bevelled subway tiles, and a benchtop with a soft vein or grain can all help add depth and subtle contrast. Natural light will also enhance these finishes and prevent the space from feeling too flat or sterile. White kitchens are popular for a reason — they’re fresh, timeless, and easy to style with warm accents like timber stools, coloured appliances, or plants.
If your benchtop is pure white, you might feel like the all-white look is a bit stark or clinical. In this case, even just choosing a matte tile instead of gloss, or one with a slight grey or beige tint, can soften the space without straying far from the clean look. Another subtle option is using a textured white tile, like a handmade-look subway tile with some variation in the glaze, which adds depth while staying within a neutral palette.
At the end of the day, it's really about your personal preference — what feels fresh and clean to one person might feel a little plain to someone else. I’d recommend browsing through some real kitchen examples on the community to see how others have balanced a white-on-white palette. If you love the look in those, chances are you’ll be very happy with your choice.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hi Mitchell
Many thanks for the detailed reply. Thats a great tip about adding texture. I think i'll wait until the new kitchen and benchtop are installed and then decide.
Another tiling prep question: The old tile glue is very hard to get off. Long story short is i found chiselling the best way so am slowly 'chipping away at it" literally!
How smooth does the wall need to be - i will not be able to get it 100 percent smooth but am thinking the new tile glue will add a bit of leeeway if there are minor 'bumps' a few mm in the wall. Is that correct? Thanks again for your help.
You're very welcome @martyjames!
Waiting until the new kitchen and benchtop are installed before locking in your splashback tile colour is a smart move — it’ll give you a much clearer sense of how the light interacts with the surfaces and whether you want to add texture, contrast or keep it cohesive.
As for your tiling prep question — great job on tackling that old tile adhesive! It’s definitely slow going, but you’re right that chiselling is usually the most effective method for stubborn glue.
In terms of wall smoothness, you don’t need a perfectly smooth surface, but you’re aiming for flatness more than finish. Minor bumps of 1–2mm are usually fine, as most tile adhesives (especially the thicker-set ones) will give you a bit of wiggle room to even things out as you go. Just make sure the surface is clean, solid, and dust-free so the new adhesive can bond properly.
If there are any high points, it's worth knocking those down, but small low areas can be filled as you tile. A notched trowel will help spread a consistent adhesive bed, and for anything more irregular, a slightly deeper notch can help compensate.
You're definitely on the right track — and with all the hard work you’re putting in now, your finished splashback is going to look great.
Mitchell
